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Ai students welcomed at The James Beard House

Six culinary students from The Art Institutes system of schools assisted in the preparation of Thanksgiving Day dinner at New York City’s prestigious James Beard House. Learn more about how they earned this opportunity and what they hope to have learned from their five days of immersion in the Big Apple’s culinary scene.

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Six culinary students from The Art Institutes system of schools will assist in the preparation of Thanksgiving Day dinner at New York City’s prestigious James Beard House. Learn more about how they earned this opportunity and what they believe they’ll take away from their five days of immersion in the Big Apple’s culinary scene.

Cody Shuckhart

Cody Shuckhart

Cody Shuckhart is a video production assistant for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s responsible for videography and editing. Cody’s work focuses on the team’s behind-the-scenes show, In the Room, for which he recently won an Emmy Award in the category of “Best Sports Programming - Cinematography.”

Cody also earned an Emmy for “Best One-Time Special – Photography” for There’s No Place Like Home with Sidney Crosby. Both Emmys were awarded by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

He admits that the long hours of his job were difficult to adjust to. But over time, he’s gotten used to the demanding schedule and is proud of the effort he’s put into building his career. “No company is going to want to hire someone who is only going to put half of the effort in. If you truly want something, you have to go all in,” he says.

In his current position, Cody works to bring his own style to the videos that he creates. And he’s excited that he was able to transition from an internship position into a full time position with the Pittsburgh Penguins. “Getting hired by the Penguins was huge for me. I could not have planned it any better.” Now, he’s working to promote the new season for the defending Stanley Cup Champions. “I recently completed the Penguins’ newest ticket sale commercial. It was the biggest role I've ever had on any job.”

Cody, who in 2015 earned an Associate of Science in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, says that his education prepared him for his career—especially the dedication of his instructors. “The relationships with my teachers and [my fellow] students really helped to prepare me for the real world.” Cody recommends that current students stay focused on their goals. “Work hard and always keep going.”

Simone Middleton

Simone Middleton is a digital librarian for Fox News Channel. She’s responsible for properly selecting and annotating large volumes of media into a digital asset management system for the network’s Washington, D.C. Bureau. She also catalogues media for archiving, manages metadata, and researches and logs video assets. Prior to joining Fox News Channel, she worked at ABC 7/WJLA in Arlington, Virginia and for Light-Thief Productions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

She was honored to recently receive both an Emmy and an Edward R. Murrow Award for her work in broadcasting as a video coordinator. “During the four years from 2012-2016, I paid my dues. I was placed through the ringer, with hard hours, tough situations, and slow growth, but I kept in mind what my goals were. I knew that I was going to be successful—and when it was my time to shine, all of the pieces of the puzzle came together.”

She says that her most challenging work situations involve breaking news. “No breaking news situation is the same and some are harder than others. Regardless, you have to think fast and realize that the main duty is to get information on air quickly and accurately.” Because she maintains a large amount of information, she must also be certain that there are no errors made. “You learn this by trial and error and by finding a work flow that works well for you.”

To excel in her career, Simone has taken risks and learned from her mistakes. She recommends that current students keep their heads up when things get rough—and keep pushing forward. “Learn how to be great at your job duties—and the duties of [other people on your team]. This helps you to be well-rounded and multi-talented.” She also advocates networking and sending thank you cards to those who have helped along the way. “Getting your foot in the door is hard. Staying in the industry, sometimes, is harder.” She says that when times are tough, she asks herself, “how badly do you want this?” And she encourages people new to the industry to surround themselves with like-minded people.

Simone adds that she has a true passion for her work. “If you truly care about what you create, others around you will respect you. I think of myself as a brand. Television and video production is a very small industry. Everyone knows one another and has worked at all of the same companies.” She adds that by carrying herself as a brand, she identifies herself as someone willing to go the extra mile. Simone adds that this helps people to know both her and her dedication to being a dependable team member.

Now that she’s proven herself within the industry, Simone is challenged to keep growing. She wants to show that she’s worthy of sitting at the same table as “industry veterans.” To help up-and-comers break into the industry, she enjoys taking interns under her wing to help them to pursue their career goals. “We all look up to someone in our lives. I can give them a guiding light and give back to those who need and want it the most.”

Simone, who in 2011 earned a Bachelor of Science in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production from The Art Institute of Philadelphia, says that her education provided a solid foundation of experience that impressed potential employers. “[At school], you are introduced to equipment and tools [and given the opportunity to use them in a hands-on environment].” She adds that learning from teachers and advisers who are professionals within the media industry was inspiring and gave her a real-world view into the realities of broadcasting.

Andrew Satterwhite

Andrew Satterwhite

Line Cook at Luke San Antonio

Andrew Satterwhite is working as a line cook at Luke San Antonio in Texas. He’s responsible for set up, prep, and running the grill station for dinner service. Andrew served in the United States Army for four years as a parachute rigger and has also worked in construction. “All [of these experiences] have taught me skills that I can use for myself, but also I have used them to help this country grow,” he says.

Andrew looks to his surroundings for inspiration and says that the best part of his culinary career is that it’s always changing. “This is one of the most diverse and exciting careers to have. I can go anywhere and learn recipes, techniques, and cultures to help me make new and exciting dishes [to] introduce to my family and others.”

Andrew, who in 2013 earned an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of San Antonio, says that his education taught him why recipes turn out a certain way. “Growing up in California, I was lucky enough to encounter many cultures and the cuisines that accompanied them. In the Army, I used an electric skillet and a barbeque to make all my meals.” He recommends that current students open their minds to learning. “Figure out how to make [learning] a driving force in everything you do.”

Angela Lawson

Real Estate Photographer for Curb Views, LLC

Angela Lawson is a real estate photographer for Curb Views, LLC, in San Antonio, Texas. She photographs houses and collaborates with realtors to build virtual tours of real estate listings. To create her work, Angela visits homes for sale, photographing the inside and outside. “Sometimes, the home may not be photographically ready and I help the owners and realtors to straighten up,” she says. “I had a realtor specifically request me as her photographer because she liked my photographic style. The previous home I shot for her sold in the first 8 hours of being listed. She was so happy and that made me happy!”

Angela’s creative inspirations include Annie Leibovitz, Martin Schoeller, Herb Ritts, Jerry Uelsman, Christian Coigny, and Helmut Newton. She’s excited to be learning new skills and meeting new people. “I have the chance with each passing day to make better work than the day before. This work is seen by many, many different people and is a reflection of my hard work and knowledge of my craft. I always enjoy learning more about photography.”

Angela, who in 2015 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from The Art Institute of San Antonio, says that her education provided the skills, knowledge, and business sense she needed to be successful in photography. “I learned about lighting, photographic design, portraiture, photojournalism, corporate and architecture, business practices, and so much more. All of this knowledge sets me apart from many photographers out there in the world.” She adds that current students should take their time and stay focused on their goals. “While you may pick up certain skills quickly, others may be more challenging. Life events, finances, and learning curves may seem to overwhelm at times—it happened to me—but don't let them discourage you from your goals and passion for what you want to do.”

Ayme Troas

Design and Sales for KBK to Trade

Ayme Troas is working in design and sales for KBK to Trade in San Antonio, Texas. She assists designers in finding the right fabrics, furniture, accessories, and lighting for interior design projects. Ayme also works with vendors to get information for clients and to place orders. “The design industry is always evolving, as are the people. Every once in a while someone comes along and takes the industry by storm. I enjoy learning about the new trends and introducing them to our clients,” she says.

Ayme finds creative inspiration in the world around her. “Whether it’s people, food, my surroundings, or a movement, there is always something that will spark a start to my next project.” Her creative heroes are people in the design industry who go above and beyond to reach the best possible design outcome. Looking to the future, Ayme believes that computer renderings will continue to improve—and will soon look like actual photographs. “The industry is headed toward more digital advances [including] creating applications for tablets or phones [that will allow designers to make] on-the-spot renderings. These [applications] would be extremely beneficial to designers who are always on the go.”

Ayme, who in 2015 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from The Art Institute of San Antonio, says that her education taught her the industry language as well as how to be a strong communicator. “When [other designers] ask for particular items by name, I know exactly what they are talking about and therefore I can help them more proficiently. I’m also able to quickly draft plans or create sketches to show custom pieces or room layouts.” She adds that current students should push their creativity and don’t hold back. “Find your signature style but don’t be afraid to explore others.”

Sommer Bostick

3D Modeler and Consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton

Sommer Bostick is working as a 3D modeler and consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton on the San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas. She works on game based training for the military, and is responsible for creating and texturing 3D models, video editing, and demonstrating products and capabilities at marketing events. Sommer says that she learns something new each day. “I think that's one of the coolest things about being in the animation industry because when you have to model and animate something you know nothing about, you have to learn everything about it so you can accurately represent it.”

Sommer is especially proud to have created a welcome video for Booz Allen Hamilton’s incoming CEO—it was played for hundreds of employees. “That video gained me recognition from leadership and other teams in the firm. I met and talked with the CEO one-on-one during the event [where the video] was played, and it was an amazing experience for me.” Since her video was viewed, Sommer says that the company’s leadership has relied on her more and more. “I realized how much I proved myself to my team, and the whole firm.”

Sommer, who in 2014 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts & Animation from The Art Institute of San Antonio, says that her education provided her with the knowledge, tools, and skills she needed to transition into her current career. She recommends that current students give it everything they’ve got—even if it means taking a job that isn’t a “dream job.” “It’s experience and you need that.” She adds that the future of her industry lies in staying on top of new technology and developing applications and training. “Currently we are diving into virtual reality with technology like Oculus Rift and Google Cardboard. We are exploring how these technologies can benefit training in the military. I believe that virtual reality can go beyond that into health care and other professions, and be incredibly useful in training capabilities.”

It's an inspiring community of like-minded people, all striving to bring out the best in themselves, and in each other. If you're ready to make creativity your way of life, we can help you prepare. Come find out how by attending Open House.